Wednesday 1 July 2015

JUNE 2015: MONTHLY REPORT BY ARR MOBILE VET UNIT


Date

Location
Species
Concern
Photo

Notes
Drugs
1-6-15
Lower KARI
3 Zebra-2 Males, 1 Female
Snare






Were spotted severely lame due to wedge snare wires on their limbs causing traumatic wounds. One was on right hind limb, another on Left fore limb and other on both right fore and hind limbs. Each wire was severed using wire cutter or loosened snoop and taking it off from the limb. Wounds were cleaned using Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine later liberally sprayed with Tetracycline wound spray. Each was covered with 30000mgs Amoxicillin and 50ml Multivitamin into muscles

Each was darted with 4mgs Etorphine and 60mgs Azaperone. Examination revealed that these snares had traumatized these animals for more than two weeks at least meaning poaching had resurfaced again within the area. Surveillance will be mounted to cub the same. Each animal was revived using 18mgs Diprenorphine administered into jugular vein.


Collaboration
ANAW/China House/KWS/KARI


Two non-governmental bodies; Africa Network for Animal Welfare and China House partnered with KWS Central Rift Conservation Area and Naivasha Mobile Veterinary Unit in desnaring lower KARI now KARLO.
China House is a social Enterprise aiding Chinese to peacefully and socially integrate with African countries especially in Conservation matters. Three Zebras during the exercise were desnared and the area was combed for any mounted snares.
2 to 8-6-15
LNNP
1 White & 11 White Rhinos
Ear Notching




This exercise was carried out in Lake Nakuru National Park. It was aimed at identifying the rhinos within the Park as notched and recording the population spotted and also notching the ones which have attained notching age i.e. over two years for effective monitoring and accounting. Chopper dating was employed. Spotting was through chopper, fixed wing and where possible the rangers on the ground. A total of 11 black Rhinos and 1 white rhino were notched. Once immobilized each breathing rate and temperature were monitored. To each 10mgs Butorphanol was injected through ear vein to lighten anesthesia plain and water was dowsed on skin where temperatures were high.
The juvenile ones were darted by use of 2.5mgs Etorphine and 40mgs Azaperone, sub adults with 3.5 mgs Etorphine and 60mgs Azaperone while adults were darted with 4.5mgs Etorphine and 80mgs Azaperone. Samples taken included whole blood, serum, tissue, ticks, horn and hoof for forensic data banking. Skin microchips were inserted into the skin at neck and gluteal areas. Any incidental wound or injury found on the animal was treated with thorough cleaning with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine and liberally sprayed with Tetracyline wound spray. Once notched bleeding was controlled by use of hemostats. Each was revived using 3 times Diprenorphine the dose of Etorphine used administered through ear vein
4-6-15
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lion
Emaciation/Injury



It was reported limping and severely emaciated. Examination revealed that he was in poor state to be exposed to darting risks. The right hind limb depicted injury around the genu area with skin abrasions and scratch marks.
He could not fed for himself hence the poor body condition.  Buffalo cadaver within the vicinity was pulled by use of vehicle and ropes to where he was and he strongly engaged in feeding. Feeding measures were recommended so that he could gain weight and be able to fed for himself.

7-6-15
Lake Nakuru National Park
Rothschild Giraffe-Male
Injury


Was reported with right ossicle missing and having discharge from its base. Examination revealed that it was Maggot infested smelly pus oozing. It had a piece of dry wood possibly picked as he tried to rub against the bush. The wood was picked using clipper, maggots were manually removed and cavity cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine and liberally sprayed with Tetracycline wound spray.
Darted using 15 Etorphine and 25mgs Azaperone. Was immediately revived using 48mgs Diprenorphine into jugular vein after being brought down by use of ropes. He was covered with 30000mgs Amoxicillin and 100mgs Multivitamin into muscles. He was later released from manual restraint. He couldn’t get up promptly and he was aided by use of rope hooking the left ossicle. He was up by third trial.
17-6-15
Lower KARI
3 Zebras-2 Males,1 Female
2 Snares, Traumatic Wound











Lower KARI was again visited to ascertain the snaring status. 2 zebras (one on right fore and another on right hind limbs) and an Impala( on right fore limb) were desnared while one was treated of traumatic wound on the right rump area which was thought to have been caused by failed hyena attack. Wedge snare wires were severed using wire cutter and all wounds were cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide, Iodine and then sprayed with Tetracycline wound powder.
2 zebras were darted with 4mgs Etorphine and 60mgs Azaperone while foal and impala was each darted with 2mgs Etorphine and 30mgs Azaperone. Two zebras each was covered with 30000mgs Amoxicillin and 50ml Multivitamin into muscles. Foal was covered by half the dose of adult zebras while the impala was covered with one fifth of adult zebra. The two adult zebras were revived by use of 12mgs Diprenorphine, foal and impala with 6mgs of Diprenorphine into jugular vein.
18-6-15
Kabarnet-Biwott Farm
Bush Back
Deaths/Postmortem



10 Bushbucks were reported to have died within two weeks necessitating investigation as to establish cause of death. Farm was visited and some were spotted urinating red urine, some with submandibular edema and poor body condition in relation to plenty of forage within the farm. Due to thick bushes and thickets immobilization for sampling could only be effected by gunning.
One male was shot to that effect. Evident was heavy tick infestation all over the body with alopecia on the neck which was thought to be due to scratching by limbs due to irritation. Postmortem revealed pale mucus membranes, emaciation, membranous omentum devoid of any fat tissue, engorged gall bladder depicting in appetence. Little ingesta was found within entire digestive system. The urinary bladder had straw colored urine. On the vegetation seemingly brown ear tick population was estimated to be high as they were spotted attached on the grass in many numbers.
Whole blood was picked for microscope slides and hemogram. Laboratory results indicated Neutrophilia which is body response to a bacterial infection. More samples are needed to make a conclusive diagnosis of what is ailing these animals and especially of seemingly suitable candidates like the ones discharging red urine. Otherwise suggestively there could be mixed infection. A visit will be made with aim of getting more samples. Meanwhile the farm was advised to let community graze in the farm or the farm to introduce indigenous cattle to ‘collect ‘ ticks as they graze and then dip them in an effective plug dip serially to a tolerable tick levels. 
19-6-15
Soy Sambu
Lion Pride
Problematic


This pride has been on trails for the last one year. Has been reported killing heads of cattle at different locations severally. Discussion was held on the best way to trap them. Live baits were suggested to be used in compartmentalized traps since dead baits were not yielding positive results.
One search trap was rendered by Naivasha Mobile Vet Unit and another one was to be supplied by PAC Team from Lake Nakuru National Park. These could be deployed near the susceptible cattle bomas at night for contracted periods because these animals struck occasionally. Review would be done after a month.


2 Zebras-Females
Snares





Two zebras were reported with snare wires one on Left fore and other on right fore limb within main office area. Examination revealed plain snare wires which were meant for small game mostly impalas. Snares were severed using wire cutter. Wounds were cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine. Tetracycline wound spray was topically applied.
Each was darted with 4mgs Etorphine and 60mgs Azaperone. Each was covered with 30000mgs Amoxicillin and 50ml Multivitamin intramuscularly. Each was revived using 12mgs Diprenorphine into jugular vein.

Kinja-Rose Mary Residence
Bat-eared Fox-Male
Postmortem-Poisoning


Reported to have died near a residence prior to which it was showing central nervous signs like tetany and circling with blurred vision. Postmortem revealed that it had hemorrhagic enteritis suspected to have ingested poison. This was the fourth in a month. A discussion was carried out with residents who are all whites but with African Farm Hands.
The farm hands were suspected to be poisoning these predators because they were nuisance to their chicken. They were warned that all chicken will be confiscated if the same scenario is repeated otherwise they should put up predator proof rearing pens to that effect.
20-6-15
Soy Sambu
Zebras-2 Males ,1 Female
Snares


The area near Mwaliki was visited to ascertain the snaring status but zebras were found with wedge snares severely lame. They were excited and easily irritable. They resisted any approach be it on foot all vehicle during darting.
An attempt to dart was done using 4mgs Etorphine and 60mgs Azaperone but missed. All ran into nearby thick bush Making exercise impossible. Another attempt to desnare them will be made after a week or so. Possibly they will have calmed down.
21-6-15
Lower KARI
Zebra-Male
Snare


Reported with a wedge snare wire by ANAW in conjunction with China House while on their desnaring exercise in the farm. The tight traumatic wedge snare on right fore limb was severed using wire cutter. Wound was cleaned using Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine. Tetracycline Spray was topically applied.
Immobilized with 4mgs Etorphine and 60mgs Azaperone. Was covered with 30000mgs Amoxicillin and 50ml Multivitamin. It was revived using 12mgs Diprenorphine intravenously.

Game Farm/Upper KARI
Visit
Snare Status


None


Lower KARI
Team Work
Collaboration


ANAW/China House/KWS/KARLO/Media-CCTV, Nation TV all joined hands in a desnaring exercise where one zebra was desnared and area mopped off of mounted snares.
Acting Central Rift Conservation Area Assistant Director graced the exercise. This is after resurfacing of game meat activities within the farm. The Ag AD pointed out that there will be deployment of a ‘crack down’ team within the Naivasha lake region to help mop out the menace.
22-6-15
Hells Gate N.P./Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Road/ASTU Camp
Visit/ Patrol
Snare Status


None

23-6-15
Lake Nakuru National Park
Buffalo
Deaths


Buffalo deaths were reported by research scientists. An investigation was carried out. Four carcasses were spotted but all were more than five days old. All were old adults age-wise.
They were advised to report a fresh cadaver when spotted for a meaningful postmortem to be carried out if necessary.

Solai Milmet
Oryx
Tick Infestations


A recce was done upon report that Oryx were spotted as having heavy tick infestation. It was found that all were in good health with heavy muscle cover but inhabited challenging terrain which could not allow effective and safe immobilization to be carried out.
Other animals were equally in good health status but of concern was heavy tick population on the vegetation within the Ranch. It was suggested that the animals to be rounded up on a plain ground for effective darting and examination. This necessitated for another visit another day.

Kongoni Game Valley
Impala-Male
Postmortem/Euthanasia


Reported to have been fought by another male possibly on territorial bases. Examination revealed both broken horns with one falling off but other left supported by skin. It was bleeding through the nostrils and unconscious. He gained consciousness but was left almost blind. 
Was darted using 3mgs Etorphine and 30mgs Azaperone. He was left over night in an isolated boma but kept on knocking against obstacles. It was seen prudent to put him down to relief him pain. He was euthanized using 2000mgs Sodium Pentobarbitone through jugular vein.
26-6-15
Lake Nakuru National Park
Buffalo-Female
Postmortem

  
Obstructed colon     Phytobezoa               Emptied colon

Buffalo reported dead and postmortem revealed obstructed and congested colon. This yielded a phytobezoa soaked with blood resulting to hemorrhagic enteritis distally. Incidentally it was noted to have hardened omasal contents depicting anaplasmosis. Abdominal viscera were congested with different degrees of hemorrhages. It was presumed that the animal died of shock as a result of obstruction in the colon followed by intestinal bleeding.

Solai Milmet
Oryx-Male
Tick Infestation


Another visit was made to ascertain the extent of infestation as suggested. One male was darted and examined closely. Heavy tick infestation was noted all over the body and more so on inner side of the ear pinnae. Administration was advised to procure acaricide-Ectopor which will be applied as pour on the five Oryx by the care taker whom they seem to tolerate. Meanwhile a visit will be made in less than a week time to see the effect of pour on.
Darted with 6mgs Etorphine and 100mgs Azaperone. Supportive treatment was administered inclusive of 12000mgs Amoxicillin and 20ml Multivitamin into muscles. Tick bite wounds were sprayed with Tetracycline wound sprays. It was suggested to administration that introducing indigenous cattle within the pastures would help since the cattle would ‘collect’ the ticks and take them to dip where they would be killed through serial effective dipping. Was revived by 40mgs Naltrexone intravenously

KWSTI
Zebra foal-female
Traumatic wound


Reported lame on the right fore limb. Examination revealed a pus discharging wound at the level of coronet. It was cleaned using Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine. All was expressed out and later Cloxacillin cream was infiltrated into the canal.
Darted with 1.5mgs Etorphine and 20mgs Azaperone. Was covered with 750mgs Tetracycline into muscle and same subcutaneously. 15ml Multivitamin was injected into muscle. It was revived by use of 6mgs Diprenorphine into jugular vein.
28-6-15
Koigi Wamwere Residence-BAHATI
Monkeys
Stray/Problematic


Reported that monkeys had invaded home for the last one week every evening. A visit was carried out together with PAC Team from Lake Nakuru N.P. The area was searched to no avail. It was said that possibly they could have left at early hours of the morning.
After interrogating the residents it was not clear which animal they had spotted. Perhaps they could have spotted little primates, honey burger, owl or even small predators. They were advised to take snap shots and or foot prints to help identify positively the animal they are unable to identify for appropriate measures to be taken. Meanwhile the PAC Team is on standby for quick response when sighted.
30-6-15
Solai Milmet
5 Oryx-1 Female, 4 Males
Tick Infestation/Acaricide application



After visiting the farm on 23rd and 26th June as indicated above it was established that an intervention towards the menace of heavy tick infestation was eminent. All had massive tick infestation inside and outside the ear pinnae spilling over to the rest of the body. The five were covered with 1200mgs pour-on. The four live ones were each covered with 30mls Multivitamin and 30mls Amoxicillin into the muscles and 5mgs Ivermectin subcutaneously. Dart wound was infiltrated with Cloxacillin ointment while any external wound was liberally sprayed with Tetracycline wound spray.
One was darted with 5mgs Etorphine and 80mgs Azaperone but plunged into an open dry lagoon before complete sedation resulting to a fractured right fore metacarpus. This was euthanized using 4000mgs Sodium Pentobarbitone into jugular vein. Other 4 was each darted with 7mgs Etorphine and 80mgs Azaperone. They remained on sternal recumbency but had to be restrained manually for any manipulation or intervention to be done as they were still irritable. They were advised to be applying pour-on (Deltamethrin) on these animals daily however little possible by use of a syringe when reasonably approached by care taker. A review will be done after a month.


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